I was reincarnated as a villain in -High school DxD - DxD

The night in the Underworld is eternal, lit only by a purple sky charged with magical energies. In the heart of the Forsaken refuge, Azekiel watches his new allies gather, while Kael stands at his side. Although the group remains small, the variety of skills among them is impressive: Selene, with her strategic ability and knowledge of the weaknesses of the noble clans; Darian, with his expert handling of weapons and experience as a spy; and other Forsaken with lesser but useful skills in combat.

However, Azekiel does not feel completely safe. Kael's words echo in his mind: "You must lead, or they will consume you."

Before he can ponder further, Selene approaches with a report in hand.

—We have a problem. Rias Gremory's group is on the move. According to our informants, they are heading this way, but they don't seem hostile.

Azekiel frowns. The last time they met, the Gremory seemed ready to eliminate him. Why would they opt for a more subtle approach now?

"What do you think, Kael?" Azekiel asks.

Kael smiles with a hint of sarcasm.

—If they come in peace, it is because they want something. But do not be fooled, Azekiel: diplomacy with nobles is always a game of masks.

Azekiel nods slowly, his gaze becoming more determined.

—If you want to talk, we'll do it on our terms.

Hours later, in a makeshift hall within the fortress, Azekiel awaits the Gremory, surrounded by Selene, Kael, and Darian. The shadows of Umbra Tenebris swirl around them like a subtle warning.

Rias's red magic circle shines in the center of the room, and her group gracefully emerges. Rias leads, with Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Issei following close behind. Though they show no hostility, their stances are clearly on guard.

Azekiel wastes no time in taking control of the situation.

"Rias Gremory," he says in a firm voice. "I'm surprised to see you here after our last meeting. What do you want?"

Rias maintains her calm demeanor, but her eyes are fixed on Azekiel with intensity.

—I didn't come here to fight. I've heard about your movements. If you're gathering allies, it could upset the balance of the underworld. Before things escalate, I want to understand what you're really after.

Kael chuckles, interrupting.

—Understand us? Or make sure we don't pose a threat to your precious system?

Rias ignores him, keeping her attention on Azekiel.

—You don't seem like someone who acts without purpose. What is it that you really want, Azekiel?

Azekiel, although suspicious of his intentions, decides to speak honestly, at least in part.

—I want freedom. Neither the noble clans nor the fallen angels have the right to decide over our lives. My only goal is to create a place where renegades like us can exist without fear of being hunted.

Rias listens attentively, but Akeno interjects with a sharp smile.

—And to achieve that you are willing to use a power that could destroy all who oppose you?

Akeno's words cause an awkward silence. Azekiel feels Umbra Tenebris respond, as if he wants to prove his strength at that moment.

"I use my power because I have no other choice," he finally answers, his tone colder. "If I don't, this world will crush me."

Issei, who has remained silent until now, steps forward.

—Hey, maybe it's none of my business, but have you ever thought about letting someone help you? Not all of us want to crush you, you know?

Issei's simplicity and sincerity baffles Azekiel. For a brief moment, he feels a connection to the boy's words, but quickly reminds himself that he cannot trust them.

As the conversation continues, Selene watches the Gremory closely. Later, in private, she warns Azekiel.

—Rias may seem reasonable, but don't forget that she's a noble. Her priority will always be her home and her position in the underworld.

Kael agrees, but adds a nuance.

—However, if we can play our cards right, we could use this approach to our advantage. If you can convince her that we are not an immediate threat, we could buy ourselves time to strengthen ourselves.

Azekiel feels the weight of his decisions. On one hand, he knows that the Gremory could be useful as temporary allies, but he also understands that any relationship with them would be fragile and dangerous.

As Azekiel considers his next move, a renegade spy returns with troubling news: a group from the House of Phenex is on its way, possibly alerted by the Gremory's presence.

The arrival of the Phenex puts everyone on high alert. Azekiel realizes he is caught between two factions that could destroy him if he doesn't act quickly.

The chapter ends with Azekiel making a risky decision: to face the Phenex alongside the Gremory, but with a hidden plan in mind.